Another Snowy Day

It warmed up overnight, and the inch of light snow that had collected on the balcony and front stairs turned to slush, and then solid ice.

Needless to say (so why am I saying it?), we don't go out that way very often, this time of year.

But the temps, which were supposed to fall, have been bouncing around the freezing mark all morning. We've had several rounds of light snow, picking up another inch or so.

Given the forecast, we headed into the city after breakfast. That allowed us to beat the hordes of zombies, Reavers, and angry shoppers who begin to appear between 1000 and 1100. And since none of those are present early, the stores' staffs are happier, too.

We hit a couple three big box stores, with specific goals in mind. Goals achieved, we headed back north.

In the meantime, the highway is in variable condition, so traffic speeds vary between 50 and 60 most of the way. So it wasn't awful, and bit o' fishtailing from time to time keeps the heart beating nicely.

:)

We've been addressing Christmas cards and wrapping gifts since then. The only chore left now is a trip to the post office.

Once that's done, we're in for the afternoon, and looking forward to a round of Christmas movies.

Thanks for stopping by, friends.

Snowy Morning, Falling Temps & Politics as Usual

Good morning, everyone.

 

Southcentral Alaska received roughly 3" to 6" of snow overnight. Because of warmer temps, this morning's drive was better than yesterday's, i.e., not as much swirling snow. It was 19° when I left home, but in the low 20s here in Anchorage. The snow retains more moisture in warmer temps, of course, so it's heavier. No white-outs, like yesterday.

 

Meanwhile, AccuHunch confidently predicts that temps will fall throughout the day, winding up around -10° F. tonight. Tomorrow, they say, we'll be lucky to see anything as warm as zero. On Sunday, perhaps -15. That's what happens when you have a fresh coat of snow coupled with clear skies. At least it does, up here north of the 61st parallel.

 

Of course, if you think we're having cold temps, don't look at Fairbanks/Bettles/Circle/Eagle/North Pole, etc. It's -4 in Fairbanks right now, and will close in on the -30 mark by Sunday or Monday nights.

 

Suddenly -10 doesn't sound so bad, eh?

 

* * * * *

 

In other Alaskan news, it's official: the election results have been certified, and it passed by six votes. The mayor signed the petition, and the Governor of Alaska signed it. The town called "Barrow" has ceased to exist. Let the cartographers and DOT sign-makers commence the changes. Notify Rand-McNally! Notify the Internet! Call your Aunt Sally! Conjugate your verbs!

 

Okay, never mind that last one. But wait, there's more:

Town formerly known as Barrow already in court over new name of Utqiaġvik

 

We have officially entered the era of sore losers who refuse to accept reality, seeking activist judges who will proclaim alternatives to the truth.

 

Sigh...

Done

It's a grey, chilly day out there, with just enough icy wind to make your ears hurt. The snow isn't quite as dry as our usual fare, but it's a far cry from wet. That's okay with me.
  Got the wife's car cleaned off, and the driveway shoveled out. We only got about three inches, all told, which is borderline for using the snow blower.

By the time I was done, I was kicking myself for not firing up the beast, just the same.

Meanwhile, I just inhaled a 16-oz. glass of water ... I'd better go get another.

Stay safe, warm and healthy out there (pick as many of those as apply to you), and thanks for stopping by.

Snowy Weekend, Part 4: The Pictures

The pictures:

Had to dig down a bit, to find the car.

The back yard, about 4 minutes ago

Traffic, to put things in perspective

Snowy Weekend, Part 3

We got about 16" of snow over the last 40 hours, although it's already compacted down to only a foot or so. Our circle drive and the adjoining streets haven't yet been plowed, so only the 4x4 vehicles are moving right now. We're going to clean off both our sedans and run the snowblower through the parking spots again this morning. 

That should be it for this particular storm, give or take a flurry or two. AccuHunch is calling for clearing skies - and the accompanying falling temps - later today. It's 17 now but should be in single digits, so they insist, by early afternoon.  Meh, whatever.

We have a bit more shopping for groceries and supplies, today, but should then be done with that for awhile.

I've driving Younger Daughter back to her job this a.m., and my bride is preparing to serve breakfast.

Coffee's on, so stop on by, hear?